An electric version of the Mercedes Benz “Baby G-Wagen” has been spotted during cold-weather testing in Europe, although the automaker has reportedly privately called the larger electric G-Class a “complete flop” since its introduction in 2024.
Set to be unveiled later this year ahead of its expected launch in 2027, the “Baby G-Wagen” – whose official name has yet to be revealed – has been confirmed by Mercedes-Benz as a smaller version of its iconic G-Class, also known as the G-Wagen.
The German brand unveiled the new SUV at the Munich Motor Show last year.
The larger G-Wagen is already offered with an electric powertrain in the G580, but slow sales have seen reports from Germany claim an unnamed Mercedes-Benz executive called the electric vehicle “a complete flop.”
However, the latest spy images suggest that this particular Baby G-Wagen test vehicle is battery-electric and not hybrid, plug-in hybrid or internal combustion engine powered.
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Clues include a heavily taped front end that barely allows air to circulate, as well as the lack of visible exhaust outlets.
Despite the G580’s slow sales, a battery-electric powertrain is expected to be one of several options for the baby G-Wagen when it hits showrooms, alongside hybrid variants.
The G580 with EQ technology, as the electric G-Wagon is called, was launched in 2024 and hit Australian showrooms with prices starting from $249,990 before on-road costs. It has a 432kW four-motor and a claimed WLTP range of 473km.
It failed to gain a foothold in the sales charts both domestically and internationally.
49,700 G-Wagens were sold worldwide in 2025 – the highest number in the model’s 46-year history – but Mercedes-Benz does not disclose how many of these were electric.
In Australia, 100 G580s out of a total of 591 G-Wagens were sold last year.
Mercedes-Benz’s revision of previous EV targets, including new commitments to V8 and V12 engines, increases the likelihood of multiple powertrain options for the Baby G wagon.
Beyond the smaller Baby G, the German automaker is also planning an even larger G-Class variant to capitalize on the brand equity it has built since the road-going G-Wagen debuted in 1979.
Mercedes-Benz is also preparing a “special edition” Jeep Wrangler-style G-Class convertible.
In addition to the electric G580, the current G-Wagen is sold in Australia with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, while the flagship Mercedes-AMG G63 has a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo petrol engine with 430kW/850Nm.
MORE: Discover the Mercedes-Benz G-Class showroom
